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3 milestones
Rays, mirrors and lenses
3 weeks (about 10 hrs/week)
Read Volume 3 chapters 1–2 and the 2.71 lecture slides on geometric optics. Then solve the odd-numbered problems of chapters 1–2. Self-check: University Physics Volume 3, Answer Keys, chapters 1–2.
Proof required
Link the public repo with the odd-numbered problems of chapters 1–2 written up (a typeset PDF, LaTeX source or notebook), and show the self-check: which answers matched and how you fixed the ones that did not.
What gets checked
Common mistakes
Powstik Guide
A public write-up of the odd-numbered problems of chapters 1–2, with the self-check shown.
Steps
Template
README Physics 6: Optics, unit 1: Rays, mirrors and lenses Problems: Self-check result (matched / reworked): What I got wrong first and why:
What gets sent back
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
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Interference and diffraction
3 weeks (about 10 hrs/week)
Work through 8.03SC Part III and read Volume 3 chapters 3–4. Then solve the odd-numbered problems of chapters 3–4. Self-check: University Physics Volume 3, Answer Keys, chapters 3–4.
Proof required
Link the public repo with the odd-numbered problems of chapters 3–4 written up (a typeset PDF, LaTeX source or notebook), and show the self-check: which answers matched and how you fixed the ones that did not.
What gets checked
Common mistakes
Powstik Guide
A public write-up of the odd-numbered problems of chapters 3–4, with the self-check shown.
Steps
Template
README Physics 6: Optics, unit 2: Interference and diffraction Problems: Self-check result (matched / reworked): What I got wrong first and why:
What gets sent back
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Measure the track spacing of a CD
3 weeks (about 10 hrs/week)
Make a measurement of the spacing of the tracks on a CD (or DVD) from the diffraction pattern of a class 2 laser pointer. Shine the pointer straight at the disc through a hole in a card, measure the card-to-disc distance D and the gap x from the hole to each first-order spot, and use d sin θ = mλ with tan θ = x / D. Safety: nothing with mains power, no laser above class 2 (read the label, never point it at an eye), no radioactive material, and no pressure or heat that can hurt. Under 18? Use the simulation or open-data route instead, or do it with an adult present. The disc's bright mirror reflection comes straight back along the beam: block it with the card and keep every eye out of its path. Use a red pointer labelled class 2 from a known seller; cheap pointers are often stronger than their label. Under 18? Do it with an adult present, or measure the pattern in the PhET Wave Interference simulation instead.
Proof required
Link the public repo with the method, raw measurements, a photo of the set-up (and the laser's class label, if one is used), the analysis and the result, the result with its uncertainty, and a README that says what you did and what limits the result.
What gets checked
Common mistakes
Powstik Guide
A measurement of the spacing of the tracks on a CD (or DVD) from the diffraction pattern of a class 2 laser pointer, in a public repo.
Steps
Template
README Physics 6: Optics — Measure the track spacing of a CD What I expected: Method: Result (value ± uncertainty): Accepted value and comparison: What limits the result:
What gets sent back
Resources
Foundationstart here
What a verifier looks for
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
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